[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E532-E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CHIEF BRIAN J. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
work of an outstanding public servant, Mr. Brian Smith, newly appointed 
Chief of the Waterfront Police Commission of New York & New Jersey, who 
was sworn into office on Friday, March 25, 2005.
  It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record 
of the greatest freely elected body on Earth, for he has a long history 
of leadership, creativity, and commitment to his noble profession.
  After attending Saint Francis College, located in Brooklyn, New York, 
Brian joined the National Park Service as a U.S. Park Ranger. He 
eventually ascended to the rank of Supervisory U.S. Park Ranger within 
the Law Enforcement Division. During his tenure with the National Park 
Service Brian's talents and stellar reputation earned him a membership 
with the elite U.S. Park Ranger Special Events Team. Brian also 
attained a multitude of special licensures ranging from a certified K-9 
handler to a RED Card Wild Fire Fighter.
  In 1980, Mr. Smith decided to become an officer with the Port 
Authority of New York and New Jersey. Brian was assigned to oversee 
operations at the various Port Authority facilities such as, the 
Holland Tunnel and Newark International Airport. After three years of 
service, Brian felt compelled to make a career change and opted to 
leave his position with the esteemed Port Authority.
  Brian decided to pursue a career with the U.S. Customs Service in the 
Tactical Enforcement Division; this would prove to be an eighteen year 
venture. Initially, Brian entered the bureau as a Special Agent with 
the Office of Investigations and Internal Affairs and quickly 
flourished. He received a promotion soon after he began with the agency 
and subsequently served a term at the U.S. Customs Service

[[Page E533]]

Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Over the years, Brian had countless 
praiseworthy assignments that he fulfilled but two of his most notable 
duties include: Supervisor of the Dignitary Protection JUMP TEAM and 
Internal Affairs Desk Officer for the West and Southwest Regions, 
respectively.
  Brian was then appointed to his current position, Special Agent in 
Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of 
Investigations for Region II in 1999. As Special Agent in Charge, he is 
responsible for enforcing a myriad of Federal Laws and managing the 
Dignitary Protection efforts throughout the States of New York, New 
Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Region II).
  Mr. Smith's spirit of service to our great nation and his unwavering 
commitment to his fellow man is obvious to all those who know him. His 
military service has spanned two branches of the Armed Services, 
including a six year tour of duty in the U. S. Coast Guard Reserve. 
Additionally, Brian currently serves as a Major with the New York 
Guard, Civil Affairs Unit.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the members of the 
Smith family, and myself in recognizing Chief Brian J. Smith for his 
outstanding service to the residents of New York and New Jersey.

                          ____________________